Principal’s Message

We have had a great first four months and we are looking forward to the rest of the year. A new year always gives us the opportunity to reflect upon what we have done well and what we can do better. Have you been trying to figure out a New Year’s resolution? How about setting plans to help your children experience greater school success in 2019? Here are some ideas to be sure your child is successful at Beaubien.

1. Make sure your children get to school and on time. The more students are in school, the higher their achievement. Children cannot learn if they are not in school. In addition, poor attendance causes students to get behind in their learning and catching up can be very difficult when they return. Being late causes a disruption not only to your child, but all of the children in the class. PLEASE make sure your children are walking in our doors by 7:42 a.m. so that they are in their classrooms by 7:45 a.m. when our teachers take attendance. Our school goal is to have our school wide attendance over 96%, our school rating depends on this. Just a reminder that family vacations outside of regular school breaks are considered unexcused and teachers are not mandated to give make up work.

2. Monitor your children’s school work. One way to do this is to have them check in with you after school and share how their day went. A good opening question to help them communicate about this is to ask, “What did you learn in school today?” I ask this question every night to my three boys during our dinner. Sometimes I get …”nothing” and I follow-up by asking a more specific question about one of their subjects. I check my boys’ backpacks every night and discuss any school papers that are brought home. You can further monitor by checking on your child’s homework when they have completed it. While parents should never do homework for their children, it is sound practice to help guide them if they are struggling.

3. Reward your children’s efforts for trying their best. Rewarding students for high grades is not as effective as rewarding them for their effort. Children want to make their families proud. The best way to motivate effort is to notice it, praise it, and reward it.

4. Discuss how important it is in earning a degree higher than high school. I know your children are only in elementary school, but this should start at a young age. For students to be successful in today’s world, it takes more than a high school diploma. In the 21st century, almost all students need a college degree. Having students set higher education as a target early in their lives will help them set ambitious goals for their academic progress as they proceed through school.

5. Finally, be involved! Study after study shows that it may be the top factor leading to student success. We are committed at Beaubien to a partnership with all of our families. By working together, we can make a difference!

I am very proud of the children, families and staff at Beaubien and I look forward to more great things in 2019.